Japanese defender Momo Hayashi re-signs with Gold Coast United for 2020 NPLW campaign

GOLD Coast United will toy with the idea of playing defender Momo Hayashi further forward next season after the Japanese star yesterday agreed to return for their 2020 NPL Women’s campaign.

GOLD Coast United will toy with the idea of playing defender Momo Hayashi further forward next season after the Japanese star yesterday agreed to return for their 2020 NPL Women’s campaign.

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United’s newly-crowned NPLW Technical Director’s Award winner, Hayashi played all 26 league fixtures in her debut season on the Coast this year and underlined her valuable skill set to finish with seven goals.

She was a regular in Japan’s Nadeshiko League from 2015 to 2018 and new United coach Alex Bundalo said her ability may prompt a move out of the defensive line next season.

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“Momo’s technically gifted enough to play anywhere, in the midfield or closer to the point of attack,” he said.

“She was hugely effective for us in the opposition box, some of her headed goals were outstanding. It’s a good problem to have as a coach, where a player of her quality should play.

Gold Coast United NPL Women's player Momo Hayashi.

“Momo was huge for us this year. She’s a player whose actions speak way louder than words

“Week in, week out, she showed her qualities on the pitch, in training and especially on game day. There are few better players technically in this league and in my opinion she could easily play at the next level.”

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Hayashi, who arrived at the club from Japanese outfit Okayama Yunogo Belle, joins Ellie Fryer and Dee Thompson in re-signing with the Surfsiders.

United recorded their best NPLW result this season, finishing fourth before falling to eventual champions Lions FC in the preliminary final.